South North open defence with crushing win

2:33pm Monday 28th April 2008

CHAMPIONS South Northumberland, Tynemouth, Blaydon and Benwell Hill were all winners as the Northern Rock North East Premier League opening day programme began as many had predicted.

South Northumberland might have expected a closer contest with Sunderland, who last season took the title race to the last ball of the last day before conceding, but the rematch became something of a damp squib. Sunderland managed just 111 with Stephen Humble (4-20) causing the main problems before Brendan Ford (79) led the champions to an eight-wicket success.

Tynemouth beat Gateshead Fell with Barry Stewart (8-17) just about unplayable - Fell were all out for 71.

Blaydon's Allan Worthy (84 not out) was in superb form after Graeme Bridge (5-28) and debutant Jon Malkin (3-42) had bowled out Newcastle for 149.

Stockton, last season's bottom club, had no answer to the power of Benwell Hill whose new professional, South African Rob Frylink (4-18) starred on his debut. Opener David Myers (55 not out) made short work of the Teessiders.

South Shields, who worried a few opponents last season, had to battle for draw points against Durham Academy who made the day's highest score, 225-5, with Scott Borthwick (82 and 6- 30) outstanding.

Chester-le-Street (218-9) had the better points return in a drawn finish with Norton (137- 9) even though Marc Symington, on his return to his old club, made 52 and took six wickets.

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